7 Surprise Trades That Can Still Happen After Early 2026 NFL Free Agency

A week into NFL free agency, teams continue to make moves to fill roster holes. We could see trades between now and the first day of the draft on April 23. Don't rule out a few surprises.

Thus far, the biggest offseason storyline is the trade that didn't happen between the Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders, a reversal that sent ripple effects across the league.

That said, the Kansas City Chiefs traded All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts. The Miami Dolphins traded safety Minkah Fitzpatrick within the division to the New York Jets.

Expect the unexpected in any given offseason. With that thought in mind, here are seven surprise trade scenarios that would stir up buzz around league circles.

49ers Trade QB Mac Jones to the Steelers

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones

High-end backup quarterbacks have strong trade markets if they showcase themselves well in starting action. So, the San Francisco 49ers can ask for an early-round draft pick in talks with teams interested in Mac Jones.

Last year, Jones reminded everyone of his upside, throwing for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 69.6 percent completion rate in 11 games. He helped lead San Francisco to five wins in eight starts, going on the road to beat the Los Angeles Rams in one of those victories. 

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, clubs have contacted the 49ers about Jones, but their asking price is "astronomical," which lowers the likelihood of a trade.

The Athletic's Jeff Howe made the case that San Francisco should demand a first-round pick because of Jones' performances in Brock Purdy's absence last season.

However, Jones has one year left on his contract.

Although the 49ers should aim high for a return on a former first-rounder who's a capable starter in his prime, they may want to capitalize on Jones' market while he has some buzz, even if proposals don't include a Day 1 draft pick.

The Pittsburgh Steelers might be one of the teams that inquired about Jones. They will likely have to pay a steep price for him, but the 27-year-old could be a solution that keeps them out of quarterback limbo for the foreseeable future.

Even if Aaron Rodgers returns to Pittsburgh, the Steelers can sign Jones to an extension before 2027, giving them a long-term quarterback plan.

Browns Acquire WR Brian Thomas Jr. from the Jaguars

AP Photo/John Raoux

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

The Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars could do business again with another surprising trade after the two clubs made a blockbuster deal during the 2025 draft.

Jaguars general manager James Gladstone told reporters he has "no interest in disrupting the momentum" of the team. The club executive also said that Brian Thomas Jr. is a "big piece" to the puzzle on offense.

NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reported that Travis Hunter will be a full-time cornerback and part-time wideout. Thomas and Jakobi Meyers project as the Jaguars' starting receivers. However, the draft could change Gladstone's outlook on the roster.

Sure, the Jaguars made significant strides last year, but Thomas was mostly inconsistent.

If Jacksonville drafts a receiver early, outside speculation around Thomas' future will be the topic of conversation again. 

Following his Pro Bowl rookie season, Thomas struggled under the Jaguars' new coaching staff, led by lead skipper Liam Coen, hauling in 48 passes for 707 yards and two touchdowns. 

The Browns desperately need help at wide receiver, with Jerry Jeudy leading the group. So, they may present a strong offer to acquire Thomas if he's available. Remember, Cleveland has two 2026 first-round picks because of its deal with Jacksonville last year.

The Browns can offer one of two first-rounders for Thomas to upgrade their below-average receiver corps.

Cowboys Trade WR George Pickens to the Patriots

In 2025, the Dallas Cowboys saw the best out of George Pickens, who caught 93 passes for 1,423 yards and nine touchdowns in his first Pro Bowl campaign. Keep in mind that he caught 19 passes for 359 yards and four touchdowns as the go-to target while CeeDee Lamb missed time because of injury.

According to Ian Rapoport, Pickens won't report to the Cowboys' facilities without a new deal after the club franchise-tagged him.

To avoid a potential holdout situation, Dallas can ship Pickens off to the New England Patriots, who have been heavily linked to wide receiver A.J. Brown in the rumor mill.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Eagles want at least a first-round pick for Brown. New England should be able to get Pickens at a lesser cost in draft capital. 

Rapoport believes the Cowboys would accept a second-round pick for Pickens, which is a fair price for the Patriots if he becomes their go-to pass-catcher over Romeo Doubs. 

With $51.6 million in cap space, New England can afford to acquire Pickens and sign him to a lucrative extension, while quarterback Drake Maye is still a year away from being eligible for a new deal.

Eagles Complete Deal with Raiders for EDGE Maxx Crosby

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby

After a failed trade with the Baltimore Ravens, the Las Vegas Raiders are prepared to keep Maxx Crosby for 2026, according to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio. The star edge-rusher wants to suit up for the Silver and Black and expressed that with a post on X.

However, we heard this before from Raiders brass. General manager John Spytek said he expected Crosby to play for the Raiders this year before he agreed to the deal with Baltimore.

As always, general managers are flexible with trade offers. The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that Spytek still wants two first-rounders for Crosby. Las Vegas may not get that return after the Ravens backed out of the trade because of medical concerns.

However, if teams around the league believe the Ravens nixed the trade for reasons other than an issue with Crosby's surgically repaired meniscus, a club may consider a strong push for the five-time Pro Bowler.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Raiders are still "listening" to inquiries for Crosby. He also said the Chicago Bears don't have the cash to acquire him.

Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is always lurking in the shadows of trade chatter. If anyone is capable of making a bold move for an edge-rusher, it's him.

If the Eagles trade wide receiver A.J. Brown, who's a hot name in the rumor mill, they should be able to absorb Crosby's contract. Philadelphia needs a star pass-rusher to close games on the defensive side of the ball. Jalyx Hunt is an ascending talent, but Nolan Smith has just 10.5 sacks in three seasons. 

Saints-Broncos Trade Reunites RB Alvin Kamara and Sean Payton

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara

In the early waves of free agency, the New Orleans Saints signed Travis Etienne (pronounced Ay-Chan), to a four-year, $52 million contract. 

In the wake of that move, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported there are questions about Alvin Kamara's future in New Orleans. Head coach Kellen Moore didn't have definitive answers about the running back's future regarding retirement.

Kamara has played nine seasons with the Saints. He signed a two-year extension in October of 2024, and his contract will be voided after the 2026 season.

Etienne and Kamara could co-exist in the backfield, with the latter taking on a lighter workload in his age-31 term. Then again, teams may inquire about the five-time Pro Bowler who's still one of the league's best pass-catching tailbacks.

No NFL head coach knows Kamara more than Denver Broncos lead skipper Sean Payton. They worked together for five years in New Orleans. Perhaps the two would be open to a reunion in the Mile High City.

The Broncos selected RJ Harvey in the second round of the 2025 draft. They re-signed J.K. Dobbins on a two-year, $20 million pact after he led them in rushing last season.

This would be a surprising move because Kamara would join a crowded backfield in Denver, and his skill set overlaps with Harvey's, but he may trust that Payton will find ways to get him the ball.

Steelers Send WR DK Metcalf to the Chiefs

AP Photo/Matt Freed

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf

DK Metcalf had a disappointing first year with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He caught 59 passes for a career-low 850 yards and six touchdowns. The league suspended him for two games for "initiating a physical confrontation with a fan" in Detroit.

Metcalf's down year, coupled with his display of immaturity, may result in his departure following the Steelers' trade for Michael Pittman Jr. Pittsburgh could keep both, but Metcalf may want a new deal with no guaranteed money remaining on his contract.

If the Steelers are hesitant to rework Metcalf's contract, they could trade him, and the Kansas City Chiefs would be a logical suitor.

The Chiefs need a pass-catcher in his prime. Xavier Worthy is still developing, going into his third season. Travis Kelce's scoring production has been on the decline over the previous three years.

Metcalf would add much-needed explosiveness and provide more down-to-down consistency than Worthy in the passing game. Even in an inefficient 2025 year, he would've led the Chiefs in catches and been their most dynamic offensive playmaker.

If this trade happens, Metcalf would play for a third team in three years, going from Seattle to Pittsburgh and then to Kansas City. 

Vikings Trade QB J.J. McCarthy to the Cardinals

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings have signed Kyler Murray to a one-year deal, which makes J.J. McCarthy's future uncertain. Still, it's uncommon for a team to trade a quarterback who was a top-10 pick before he's played a full season of games. 

McCarthy has just 10 starts on his resume. He sat out his entire rookie campaign because of a knee injury that required multiple surgeries. As a passer, the 23-year-old experienced ups and downs this past season, throwing for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a 57.6 percent completion rate. 

McCarthy lost a supporter in the Vikings' building when the team fired former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. So, he may need a change of scenery, as Murray, a two-time Pro Bowler, makes his way to Minnesota.

In the best-case scenario for McCarthy, he would go to a team that allows him to battle for the starting job. The Arizona Cardinals have journeymen Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II atop their quarterback depth chart.

In Arizona, McCarthy can learn from Brissett and Minshew while competing against them. The Cardinals would have a developmental signal-caller with room for growth and no obligation to start him right away.

Team salary cap and player contract details are provided by Over the Cap.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.